Crystal Palace fans are becoming very, very frustrated by the right-back department at Selhurst Park.
Joel Ward and Nathaniel Clyne – aged 34 and 32 respectively – are both well beyond their best, with that area of the pitch often being targeted by opponents as a result.
Now – however – a solution could be found from within as Danny Imray shines at Crystal Palace…
Joel Ward should be sweating over Danny Imray progress
Well, the Eagles already produced one outstanding right-back in Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and another could be about to fall off the production line.
Imray has excelled from the right of defence so far this season, helping the Crystal Palace Under-21 side sit 11th with four wins from nine outings.
The 20-year-old has specifically impressed with his contributions going forward, something Crystal Palace supporters rarely see Ward or Clyne offer.
Imray actually scored as Crystal Palace’s Under-21 side recorded a 3-0 win over Manchester City’s young guns on Saturday.
Before that, the Harold Wood-born defender provided an assist in the 3-0 win over West Brom and also the 7-1 win over Leeds, so he now has three goal involvements in his last three Premier League 2 outings.
In total, Imray has registered five goal involvements in 12 appearances this season, showcasing his attacking talents in an era where such traits have become vital to a full-back’s game.
Crystal Palace must give Danny Imray a shot in the FA Cup
The FA Cup Third Round is approaching, a time where many talents in the Premier League often make their senior debut against lower league sides.
We have – underwhelming – been drawn against Everton, although it would still be nice to see Roy Hodgson give Imray a chance.
Sometimes, a young talent just needs one sniff to secure the shirt, as we saw with Wan-Bissaka against Tottenham back in 2018.
With Hodgson at the helm – a man who has often spoke negatively of youngsters this season and quite clearly prefers experience – it feels unlikely that Imray will get a chance, although we can only hope.
